Overview of AAF, OMFI
and MXF Files
Definitions: Media Files
 Represents raw audio or video and are stored in
individual files
 Media files can be directly perceived, that is you
can hear or see them
 Audio files contain samples; video files contain
frames
 Media files account for most of the hard drive
space used by a project
Definitions: Metadata
 Info embedded in a media file
 Examples include: scene #, take, sample rate, bit
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depth, SMPTE frame rate, region names…
Metadata cannot be directly perceived, a software
application is required to see metadata
Info embedded in a session or sequence file that
includes what media files are used, where they
appear on the timeline, etc
For AAF/OMFs – info about unrendered
AudioSuite effects
For AAF/OMFs – info about automation (clip
based gain)
AAF-OMF-MXF Basics
 Allow for projects to be interchanged between different
applications and editing platforms (i.e. Final Cut Pro and
Pro Tools)
 AAF (Advanced Authoring Format) – is a sequence only
file – does not contain media –like a pro tools session
file (ptf or ptx)
 OMF/OMF (Open Media File Interchange) – is both a
sequence and media (audio and video) file format
 MXF (Media Exchange Format) – media only (audio and
video) Can be used with AAFs, but not OMFs
Pro Tools and AVID
Terminology
Pro Tools
AVID (AAF or OMF)
Session
Sequence
Whole File Region
Master Clip
Region
Subclip
Plug-Ins
Real-Time Audio Effects
Volume Automation
Avid Keyframe volume
Embedded Media
Linked Media
Embedded vs Linked Media
Embedded
Linked
One large file that contains both media Separate sequence and media files
and sequence data
Benefits – only one file to interchange
between systems and is easier to
manage
Benefits – if the media is on a shared
server than it is easier to send the
sequence file by itself – quicker import
and export times
Disadvantages – long import and
export times
Disadvantages – if the media is not on
a shared server, than there are many
files that must be transported between
systems
Supported AAF and OMF files
for Importing to Pro Tools
 AAF or OMF sequences (including those
with embedded audio)
 Individual Avid video files in the MXF or
OMF format
 OMF audio files
 Note: Additional AVID video
hardware/software is required for
importing MXF and OMF video.
Supported AAF and OMF files
for Exporting from Pro Tools
 With DigiTranslator 2.0 or higher, you can
export AAF, MXF, and OMF files from Pro
Tools using:
 Bounce to Disk
 Export Regions as Files
 Export Selected Tracks as OMF/AAF
commands.
Additional Hardware /Software for
Post Production In Pro Tools
Advantages:
 Digitize (capture) video in real time into pro
tools,
 Playback video to external monitors
 Dedicated video card reduces strain on
CPU
 Enhanced compatibility with AVID systems
 See:
http://www.avid.com/US/products/family/M